Nodding waternymph
Najas flexilis
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Pl. 3D0B — Najas flexilis
Najas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilisNajas flexilis
IOverview
Overview
Najas flexilis, known as Nodding waternymph, is a small aquatic plant native to regions across North America and Europe, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and various European countries such as Austria and Finland. This annual herb thrives in light to medium soil types with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, making it adaptable to both sandy and clay soils. Known for its edible leaves, Nodding waternymph is also recognized for its ornamental value in water gardens. One distinctive feature of this plant is its nodding habit; the flower heads bend downward, giving the appearance of a nod or bow.
Quick answers
What is Nodding waternymph?
Najas flexilis, known as Nodding waternymph, is a small aquatic plant native to regions across North America and Europe, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and various European countries such as Austria and Finland. This annual herb thrives in light to medium soil types with a pH between 6.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Nodding waternymph thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. The plant is hardy in temperate regions, generally surviving in zones 4-8. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist as it requires ample water. Propagate by seed or division of established plants. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
5/10
Water
Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Nodding waternymph for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and basic care for Nodding waternymph.
- 1
What you'll need
A container, potting mix suitable for water plants, and seeds or small plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is warm enough but not too hot.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a container with good drainage holes. Fill it with potting mix that's light, medium, or heavy as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant seeds just below the surface of the soil or transplant small plants into the container.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the plant in a partially shaded area and ensure it gets plenty of water to settle in.
- 6
Ongoing care
Place the container in a sunny spot but avoid direct sunlight. Keep soil moist, adjusting for light soil types.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune leaves as needed to maintain plant health and appearance; no specific harvesting is necessary.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing in full sun, using unsuitable soil, neglecting drainage, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The nodding waternymph's leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, they are prepared fresh in salads for their mild flavor or steamed as a green vegetable. The plant thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5, making it suitable for gardens with similar conditions.
Other uses:Fertilizertextiles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)AustriaBelarusDenmarkFinlandGermanyIrelandRussiaUnited Kingdom
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Baltic States, Altay, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk, Massachusetts, Delaware, Khabarovsk, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Minnesota
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 3d0b95c8-98c4-40a4-9b5a-9f1ec68739c9
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